The North Carolina State Board of Elections is urging caution after a wave of bulk voter-registration mailings from a private group created confusion for voters and extra work for county election offices.
Outdated forms and incorrect information
State officials say the mailings, sent by Ready to Register Inc., used outdated voter-registration applications that included political parties no longer recognized in North Carolina. The board noted that the state’s recognized parties in 2026 are the Democratic, Green, Libertarian and Republican parties. Voters also may register as unaffiliated.
Officials warned that anyone attempting to register under a party that is not recognized would be recorded as unaffiliated, potentially altering how a voter is listed in state records. The State Board also reported other problems tied to the mass mailings:
- Mail sent to deceased individuals, indicating use of outdated or incorrect data.
- An incorrect county elections office return address on at least one mailing, which could prevent completed forms from reaching the proper office.
- Privacy concerns after reports that QR codes included with the mailings may have caused information from other individuals to automatically appear on registration forms.
State response and practical advice
Sam Hayes, executive director of the State Board of Elections, emphasized that the well-intentioned practice of bulk registration can backfire when not handled carefully.
“Bulk voter registration mailings, when done carelessly, can do more harm than good,” said Hayes.
The board said it has contacted Ready to Register to try to reduce errors in future mailings. Meanwhile, county election officials have spent time addressing complaints and correcting records produced by the mailings.
How voters can protect their registration
Election officials remind residents of several steps they can take to verify and protect their registration status without relying on potentially flawed mailings:
- Check your registration details using the North Carolina State Board of Elections’ online voter search tool.
- If you receive a registration mailing and are already registered at your current address, no action is required.
- Contact the organization that sent the mailing or your county board of elections with questions about a form you received.
What this means for counties and voters
County election offices are often the first line of defense against inaccurate registrations. When private mailings contain wrong data or delivery errors, local boards must spend staff time correcting records, handling inquiries and, in some cases, tracking down mailed forms that never arrived. That diverts resources from other election work, including voter education and election readiness.
| Recognized parties (2026) | Other registration option |
|---|---|
| Democratic, Green, Libertarian, Republican | Unaffiliated |
Voters with concerns about a specific mailing should reach out to their county board of elections or the organization that sent the materials. The State Board has asked groups conducting bulk registration drives to ensure forms and data are current and accurate to avoid further confusion.
The situation underscores the challenges of private groups participating in voter-registration efforts and highlights the need for accurate data management to protect voter privacy and prevent administrative burdens on county election officials.
